‘Anthony is our guy’: Richardson will start when ready but still in concussion protocol
Given the Indianapolis Colts' post-Andrew Luck struggles at quarterback, having a backup like Gardner Minshew − who can capably execute the game plan and lead the team to two road victories − cannot be taken for granted.
Minshew filled in for Anthony Richardson after the rookie suffered a concussion in the first quarter of the Colts' Week 2 win over the Houston Texans.
Since taking over as the starter, Minshew hasn't committed a turnover, and he made enough plays in the fourth quarter and overtime of Sunday's 22-19 win over the Baltimore Ravens to show why he's the perfect veteran to have behind Richardson. The Colts know they can win with Minshew, but that doesn't mean there's a quarterback controversy.
"Anthony is our guy," Colts head coach Shane Steichen said when asked if the team has considered keeping Minshew as its starter. "(Richardson's) our starting quarterback, but going back to Gardner, a ton of respect for Gardner and what he does on a week in and week out basis. When he goes in, he operates at a high level and couldn't be more thankful that he's here and what he's done for this football team.
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"But if Anthony is ready to go, he'll go."
When Richardson will be ready remains unclear. Steichen said Richardson and starting center Ryan Kelly remain in concussion protocol. Richardson and Kelly cannot clear concussion protocol until they get two practices in — one non-contact, one contact. Steichen would not commit to either player practicing Wednesday.
How an NFL player clears concussion protocol
There are five steps to complete with the decision to return to full participation confirmed by the independent neurological consultant, who is an independent neurotrauma doctor.
The player is prescribed rest and to avoid activities that aggravate symptoms. Limited stretching and balance training can be introduced, progressing to light aerobic exercise, under athletic training staff supervision.
Players begin graduated cardiovascular exercise and dynamic stretching and balancing training under the supervision of team staff. If the player can engage in cardiovascular exercise without an increase or aggravation of symptoms, they move on to the next phase.
The next step includes continued supervised cardiovascular exercises that are increased and may simulate sport-specific activities. Then supervised strength training is introduced. The player continues cardiovascular, strength and balance training, adding team-based, sports-specific exercises and participation in non-contact activities.
To be cleared for full football activity, the player must be examined by the independent neurological consultant assigned to his team. If the consultant agrees with the team physician that the player’s concussion has been resolved, the player can participate in practice and contact without restriction.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts: Richardson starts when ready but still in concussion protocol
